It’s important to have good light in a bathroom. But what’s not good is bathroom lighting that’s too bright, too dim, less than functional and unattractive! Is it difficult to get it all together? Well, it needn’t be.
The bath — particularly a large master bathroom — should be treated as any other space in the house. Lighting should provide general illumination for ordinary use, specific and directed task lighting where necessary, and perhaps specialty lighting for limited occasions.
Keep those principles in mind as you select basic bathroom lighting that is functional and appropriate. Choose decorative fixtures that complement your decor and express your personality, and you won’t have a problems. Does it still sound difficult? Here are some suggestions.
- General Illumination: Recessed cans or slim ceiling-mounted fixtures light up the room. Don’t simply pepper the ceiling with fixtures, but try to achieve the effect that natural light streaming through a skylight or a large window would create — general daylighting for the entire space.
- Provide focused light for bathing areas. Waterproof recessed cans with lenses for safety are great in the shower and over the tub; it’s especially important to have light over a tub-shower combination, even one with a clear glass door! Use two for balance.
- Light up the vanity. The common over-the-mirror bathbar featuring open bulbs is not the best option, however. Lighting that directs light upward or straight down can also cast unnecessary shadows that make it difficult to assure easy grooming. Theatrical makeup strips on either side of a framed mirror can be a better choice. There are even mirrors that feature integral lighting. Other options include hanging pendants that concentrate light midway between vanity surface and the ceiling, as well as telescoping lighting/magnifying mirror combinations that bring makeup light to you.
- Special use lighting. Even the bathroom should boast a little drama. Go ahead, hang a romantic chandelier in the center of the room if that’s your style! In a cold climate, think about warming up the bath — literally — with heat lights or sunlamps adjacent to the shower and tub; install them on a separate switch or with a dedicated timer for safety and convenience. Strip lighting under the vanity, or a discreet wall sconce that can double as a nightlight, is a thoughtful touch, especially in a family space or a bath used by guests.
- Space-age Electrical: Yes, the future has arrived. If you want heated towel racks, television in your spa, the latest tunes or the daily news piped directly to your bathing and grooming space, be sure to plan the wiring that makes those amenities possible. You don’t want electrical cords trailing across the floor or on counter surfaces. Steam showers and built-in saunas also require advance planning. A convenient in-wall ironing board and wall-mounted hair dryer will allow your home’s bath to function like a luxury hotel.
In fact, you might take some cues from luxury resorts and modern office buildings as you plan your own electrical and lighting options for a new bathroom. Door-jamb-activated or motion-activated general lighting can be a convenience in homes with young children or older residents.
At Aterra Designs, we work with architects, designers, builders, electrical contractors, home buyers and owners to assure that one of the most-used rooms in the home will be easy to use! Just tell us what you have in mind and we’ll help you bring it to life!